DHARAN: Defending champion and Nepal’s No. 1 professional golfer Niraj Tamang tightened his grip on the Surya Nepal Eastern Open with another commanding performance on Day Two, extending his lead to five strokes at the par-70 Dharan Golf Club on Thursday.

Niraj carded his second consecutive 6-under 64, taking his 36-hole total to an impressive 12-under 128 in the second event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2025–26. He now leads the field by five strokes heading into the final round.

Amateur golfer Rahul Bishwakarma, winner of the season-opening Surya Nepal Central Open earlier this month, moved into second place at 7-under 133 after producing a flawless, bogey-free 6-under 64 in the second round.

Former Nepal No. 1 professional Sukra Bahadur Rai and Tanka Bahadur Karki share third place at 4-under 136. Sukra posted a 3-under 67, while Tanka carded a 1-under 69. Dinesh Prajapati climbed to fifth at 3-under 137 following a strong 4-under 66.

Rabi Khadka, Bhuvan Nagarkoti, and Bal Bhadra Rai are tied for sixth at 1-under 139. In the amateur category, Padam Hang Limbu and Prakrit Tamang share ninth position at 2-over 142.

Niraj produced a sensational front nine, turning at 6-under 30 with birdies on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th holes. He added another birdie on the 11th before dropping a shot on the 15th to finish the round with an even-par back nine.

Rahul Bishwakarma impressed with birdies on the 5th, 6th, and 9th holes for a 3-under 33 front nine, followed by a 3-under 31 on the back nine with birdies on the 10th, 12th, and 18th holes.

The cut was applied at 11-over 151, with 18 professionals and seven amateurs advancing to the final round. A highlight of the day came from Jayram Shrestha, who made a hole-in-one on the 14th hole to secure his place beyond the cut.

In the amateur section, Rahul Bishwakarma leads at 7-under 133, holding a commanding nine-stroke advantage over Padam Hang Limbu and Prakrit Tamang.

A total of 52 golfers (30 professionals and 22 amateurs) are competing in the 54-hole tournament, organized by PGA Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. The championship carries a total prize purse of Rs 10,50,000, with the winner set to receive Rs 170,000, followed by Rs 125,000 for the runner-up and Rs 100,000 for third place.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a Pro-Am event, offering amateur golfers the opportunity to team up with professionals in a unique and engaging finale.

प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्